Objective
Despite forceful demand for a sound knowledge-based common European approach to combating organised crime, research on the matter is highly fragmented. The intention of the IKOC Project is to piece the fragments together and to introduce value added by means of a methodology which improves current knowledge in the field. This will facilitate the analysis of problems and the definition of variables, and in so doing respond to the demand for knowledge expressed by the European institutions and Member States. The project's aim is to increase quantitative and qualitative knowledge about OC (various groups and networks operating in the EU, modi operandi, dynamics of illicit markets). Acquiring such knowledge will entail devising a methodology which specifies indicators of the phenomena. The project sets itself five objectives:
1. to develop knowledge and update existing information on OC in Europe;
2. to evaluate the usefulness of the current framework of data sources and information sharing systems;
3. to develop knowledge about the infiltration of legal markets by OC;
4. to identify indicators and devise amethodology for measuring the volume of OC and assessing its impact at national and European levels;
5.to run a pilot study intended to test the methodology on a specific crime area, i.e. international fraud. To achieve these objectives, the project will review the literature and analyse case-studies and information. The project's dissemination strategies will include three workshops addressed to the public and private sectors. Developing a knowledge-based methodology to test the feasibility of a common European approach to OC means furnishing instruments with which to anticipate, prevent and reduce crime, and also to achieve greater security for EU citizens, as required by the objectives of the FP6 (Area 8.1.b.2.6).The personnel involved enjoy good academic reputations. The support of Europol and private companies will provide practical expertise.
Call for proposal
FP6-2002-SSP-1
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Funding Scheme
STREP - Specific Targeted Research ProjectCoordinator
MILANO
Italy